Posted on

MAC Makeup – Things You May Not Know About MAC Makeup and Cosmetics

The best makeup on earth is MAC makeup, hands down. Created in 1985 by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo, MAC cosmetics were designed to hold up to the most grueling conditions. Ordinary drug store makeup doesn’t look good under bright lights, and most of it sweats off or wears off under normal circumstances anyway. The chemists who created MAC cosmetics, however, designed it to hold up to just about any challenge you can throw at it. It’s good for all ages, all races and all sexes, which later became the company’s motto.

MAC makeup is also a socially conscious brand. There are four social initiative problems that the company currently has in place: MAC Cruelty-Free Beauty, Back to MAC Recycling, MAC Kids Helping Kids and the MAC AIDS Fund. Even though MAC cosmetics was bought out by the Estee Lauder Companies in 1994 and the original founder Frank Angelo died in 1997, the MAC AIDS Fund has been continued by the new owners. The coolest thing about it is that every penny of the sale of the eight products under the Viva Glam name get donated to the charity. This has raised more than $86 million for the charity since 1994.

If you’re a makeup artist, you can get 40 percent off of the price of MAC makeup. Other beauty professionals can get a 30 percent discount. The brand is also extremely socially diverse. Spokespeople in the past have included everyone from RuPaul to Linda Evangelista. MAC Beauty Icons have included Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Raquel Welch and Catherine Deneuve. All in all, MAC makeup has done a lot for the industry as well as the community. They perfected makeup and are a great role model for other American companies. It can be said that part of their success is due to their acceptance of all things beautiful, and that’s something we can all stand behind.

Posted on

Sticky Situations: Nametag Best Practices

Because a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten; because self-disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just met; and because initiating the conversation is half the battle – your nametag is your best friend.

However, improper creation and wearing of nametags can work against you (and your business) if you're not careful.

Scott Ginsberg has been internationally recognized by CNN, CBS, The Associated Press, The Washington Post and Paul Harvey as "the world's foremost field expert on nametags." Below are Scott's responses to several nametag related inquiries.

1) What are some tips for wearing nametags at trade shows?

Before you even pack your show, make sure your employees, salespeople and booth representatives each have THEIR OWN pre-made company nametags. You can get these done at any local engraving store for less than $ 7 a piece, probably cheaper en masse. The reason to do this is because a) trade show nametags do not always maximize your "nametag real estate," and b) trade show nametags rarely include your logo – which helps for brand recognition.

Now, sometimes it looks redundant to wear two nametags, right? Well, think about the Superbowl: How many commercials does Budweiser run each year? Exactly. Always more than one. So even with nametags, it's all about the Three R's of Networking: Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!

Next, when you get to the show, wear your own custom nametag in a visible location so that everyone who walks in and out of your booth sees is. Potential buyers need to make the instant connection between YOU and the BOOTH. Also, when you get busy, it can get hard for prospects to locate the right person. The last thing you want is uncertainty about who the actual booth employee is! So use your nametag to identify and differentiate yourself among the masses.

2) How do you handle poorly designed nametags that are already provided for you at events?

Tough issue. About 80% of the nametags I've ever seen at events are designed without consideration of font size, color, etc. I always suggest that people create and bring THEIR OWN custom made nametag to all events in the situation that the given nametag is ineffective. You can wear both if security and identification is an issue. But most chairs or hosts of meetings will not be offended, as long as you initially take the nametag given to you as an extension of courtesy – even if you do not wear it.

Of course, none of this would be a problem if the meeting planners would just make them right the first time!

3) On which side of your chest should you wear a nametag?

There is not a single book on networking, meeting planning or interpersonal communication that does not say nametags should go on the right. "They" say you should wear your nametag on the right hand side so it is visible in the direct line with your handshake. For the most part, I agree. And so do most people. This is one of the few nametag protocols most people are familiar with.

On the other hand, the horizontal placement of your nametag should be dependent on the capacity in which you are wearing it. For example, if you work in a hotel, in retail, at a trade show or any other mobile environment where there are aisles, rows and hallways, consider the possibility of wearing your nametag on the left side of your chest so it is most visible to oncoming traffic. (If you live in a country where you walk on the right side of the path.)

Now, this is a debatable issue. But the bottom line about horizontal placement is this: it does not matter which side of your chest the nametag lays, as long as it's above your breastbone and readable from 10 feel away.

Is it redundant to have your first name twice on your nametag?

Yes and no. "Doubling" the first name is very common for conventions, meetings or large groups. Usually, the first name is reprinted above the entire name in a larger font – possibly all caps – to be more visible. (In fact, most computer programs have this as a default setting on their templates.) Doubling is helpful for people who go by abbreviated, middle or different names. After all, all you really need to get their attention is their first name! On the other hand, if your name is Don, and people call you Don, it would be an ineffective use of your nametag space to write it twice. So, just write Don … but make it bigger. As big as you can!

5) Are some nametags better quality than others?

Absolutely. Especially when it comes casual settings and parties, handwrite nametags are usually an inelastic, last minute purchase. Most people just buy the first box they see at their local supply store. But I must warn you that there are plenty of nametags out there that are HORRIBLE. Some have faded colors, while others have paper quality consistent with that of tissue.

In fact, many companies advertise "weak adhesive to prevent clothing damage" on their packaging to protect your fabulous wardrobe. But keep in mind, this second-rate adhesive will wear off in minutes and cause your nametag to "curl" and become unreadable. So decide what's more important: sticky stuff on your clothes or being unapproachable.

6) Are gold nametags a no-no?

Gold nametags are few and far between because a) it's very difficult to read ANY text printed on them, b) they're usually too expensive to purchase en masse, and c) street thugs might hold you up at gunpoint and rob you. People in education – mainly college – wear gold nametags because it's been their tradition for a long time. And it certainly looks very elegant. But other than that, gold is not a recommended color.

7) Are first and last names necessary for employee nametags?

Anonymity and personal safety are two issues that must be taken into account when issuing nametags to employees. Most handbooks or employee manuals briefly mention their nametag policies, however many organizations fail to address this issue. Some people may not feel comfortable wearing both their first and last names on the job. I've heard accounts of nosey customers who tried to contact, even stalk, employees outside of work because they could have obtained their personal information.

One solution to this problem is to print first name only nametags. This protects the anonymity of the employee, maximizes the space and looks friendly. (Beside … the knowledge of your Radio Shack salesman's last name is not critical to the service process!) Should a situation where where a person's safety may be in jeopardy, it might a good idea to have an extra nametag with alternate spelling, or even a different name.

8) How can I avoid nametag-related clothing damage?

Holes, wrinkles, adhesive stains – these things will happen to you. I suggest that when nametags are provided, always read the back of the nametag before applying it. Most badge manufacturers – at least, the good ones – will tell you which types of materials are susceptible to damage. Now, this does not give you the right not to wear your nametag, but it may help you decide how to wear it.

In the past 10 years most nametags have shipped to fastener types like clips, lanyards, magnets, etc. These are excellent solutions, although I'll watch out for those magnetic fasteners: they will destroy silk.

9) How can you modify nametags to accommodate your clothes?

Whether it's adhesive damage, fashion trouble or lack of a good location, some people refuse to wear adhesive nametags solely because of their clothes. But with a little improvement you can still maintain your approachability.

I was giving a speech last week when a lady at my table thought of an ingenious nametag modification technique. Because the straps on her dress limited the surface area on which she could stick her nametag – and because she did not want to stick the adhesive on her collar bone – she got the nametag in half. It fit perfectly on her strap without damaging the clothes or her skin!

10) How do organizations approach nametags?

Some organizations have employees, members, guests and other people coming in and out all the time. In order to avoid alienating some of those people, the organization must first make a decision: either EVERYBODY wears nametags, or NOBODY wears nametags.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who refuse to wear nametags. The only solution is (if you decide to implement nametags for everyone) is to make it expressly written externally (signage) or internally (handbook) so people will adhere to the rule. Nobody should be "too cool" to wear a nametag.

Another concern is the nametag text's potential to segregate members based on position. I think it can go both ways. For example, I am a member of the National Speakers Association. We recently had our National Convention during which each member was assigned a custom nametag based on years of experience, membership, if a guest, etc. To my surprise, people were actual! ly MORE willing to encourage team building because of these designs. I could not count how many of the veteran speakers who have been in the business longer than I have been alive came up to me and said, "So Scott, this is your first convention, huh? "

On the other hand, if "isolation by way of nametagging" is a possible threat, I would suggest having the exact same type of nametag worn by all people, regardless of volunteer / member / paid employee status.

11) Should you KISS your nametag?

Yes.

Not literal, of course. By KISS I mean "Keep It Simple Stupid." Recently an audience member asked me, "Why do not you put your last name, company, position, etc. on your nametag? Do not you want people to know that information?"

Well, yes and no.

We all want people to know who we are, what we do and how we can help them. But it's more effective if you tell them as a response to an open ended question such as, "Tell me about the work you do."

So when you use your nametag as a conversation starter (if you have the chance to create it yourself), design it in a simple way that sets you up with an opportunity to share the value you give.

12) Is there really a condition called Nametag Deficiency Syndrome?

You better believe it. Over a half of a million people suffer every year from Emblema Nomenpenia, more commonly known as Nametag Deficiency Syndrome (NDS). This debilitating condition has run rampant through the American business community for many decades – experts say – although only recently has it been classified.

Symptoms: You may experience localized font shrinkage, inflammation of the company logo, noticeable eye irritation due to cluttered texts, absence of upper-chest nametag placement and mild conversational uncertainty and frustration.

Possible Side Effects: Beware of sudden, sever attacks of name-forgetting, possible networking anxiety, unapproachable behavior, missed opportunities to make new friends or business contacts, feelings of annoyance due to the inability to say Hello to a new member or employee what name you can not read because their nametag is turned backwards.

13) Who makes the best casual, handwrite nametags?

After six years of wearing a nametag all day, every day – through the rain, hail, sleet and snow – there is absolutely nobody better than Maco (of Wilson Jones). They have the highest paper quality, most vivid color and strongest adhesive power, and only cost about $ 3.39 per 100.

LET ME ASK YA THIS …

What are your biggest nametag pet peeves?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS …

Email them to me and I'll post your thoughts on my blog!

Posted on

7 Ways to Improve Your Bakery With Merchandising

Running a successful bakery operation takes a lot more than just placing your baked goods in baskets, shelving units and wooden racks. A bakery operator must entice customers into their shop by using creative and eye-catching displays, get them to spend more with proper cross-merchandising, and provide the right products and level of service to get them to return again and again. This article will help bakery operators to engage all five senses of their customers resulting in more customers, more impulse sales and more repeat business.

1. Do your research

The best way to serve your customers is to know what they want. You need to communicate. Talk to your customers, take a survey, do an online poll, create a message board on your website or Facebook or Twitter account, or other social media tools. Ask them what they think of your products, what else they would like to see you offer, what you could be doing better, whether or not your staff is providing the best service. It is also important to research your competition so that you are always one step ahead of them. Selling the right mix of products will ensure you keep all your customers happy and coming back from more.

2. Create an eye-catching store-front display

A bakery’s storefront window is the biggest key for drawing customers into the store. The window should feature a truly eye-catching display that can be seen from afar, and from all angles. If necessary, hire a professional merchandiser or window dresser to create something magnificent. Showcase your best-sellers and most visually appealing items. Consider using artificial food props in place of real items to prevent molding or stale items, or if your storefront window is too hot or too cold. Also consider using items typically used for baking such as large sacks of flour, rolling pints, sheaves of wheat and other props, as these will help convey the idea that your bakery makes everything from scratch.

3. Don’t forget the inside

Inside the bakery, use nothing but the freshest ingredients and food items in your displays. Display bakery items such as bagels, baguettes, cookies and dessert bars using unique plates, dishes and rattan baskets set at different heights and depths. This can be achieved using props such as wooden boxes, metal cans, two-, three- or four-tiered plates, or risers. Use fresh fruits, fresh and dried flowers, in addition to ears of wheat and corn to add to your displays. Tilt the racks of your wood displays so that customers get a better view of the breads, pies and other items. Make your products visible are from every angle, and make sure that your displays get changed at least every 10 days.

4. Add bright colors

One of the most important factors in merchandising baked goods is the use of color. Since most breads and pastries tend to be the same shades of beige and brown, it is necessary to infuse more colors. This can be achieved by interspersing your colorful cakes and cookies throughout, as well as selling other items like candies and confectionary. Bowls of fresh fruits and vegetables can also add more vibrancy to your operation.

5. Keep them stocked up

There is nothing more depressing than walking into a bakery with few items in the display case, and one or two lonely buns lying in a bin. Make sure that your bakery is fully stocked at all times, and as you begin to sell of product, consider merging existing products into one or two baskets so that the baskets always look full. Make sure to have all your bestsellers and customer favorites in stock at all times.

6. Have fun with cross-merchandising

Cross-merchandising is a method of merchandising that helps to create impulse and additional sales. Whether your bakery is a sole operation or located in a grocery facility, a lot can be done to merchandise and sell your bakery items with other relevant products. Display specialty breads merchandised with the ingredients that were used to make the bread. Display fresh herbs near your herbed breads. Sell cans of soup next to sourdough loaves, candles and cake lifters near cakes, bottles of olive oil and vinegar next to your focaccia, or smoked salmon and cream cheese near bagels. Coffee is also a great cross-merchandising item for baked goods. The possibilities are endless, and the end result is an increase in sales.

7. Use scent marketing and samples

A bakery has a great advantage over other businesses in that the smell of freshly baked bread or freshly baked cookies is so powerful that it can instantly draw in otherwise unsuspecting customers. Place a fan in your kitchen to blow the scents from your kitchen into your store, keep your front doors open to let the scents waft into the streets, or pump the scent through your exhaust so that the scents can be smelled from miles away.

Give out free samples of your products so that customers have the opportunity to try your delicious goods. It’s a great way to sell off excess products or to showcase new products to your customers.

Posted on

The Meaning of Blood in Dreams – Dream Interpretation As a Science

Most dreams are warnings because we make too many mistakes in life. We are constantly influenced by our wild conscience, while our human conscience is one-sided and under-developed.

Our wild and primitive conscience (anti-conscience) is still active inside us. The anti-conscience is our animal, cruel, and totally absurd personality. It generates mental illnesses within our human conscience in order to control our behavior.

Fortunately, the wise unconscious mind that produces our dreams has a divine origin and a saintly nature. All dream messages have a protective character because the unconscious mind is a doctor and teacher who helps us preserve our mental stability and eliminate our wild nature.

For example, dreams about blood indicate suffering. This suffering is usually the consequence of the dreamer’s mistakes.

Whenever there is blood coming out from the dreamer’s head in a dream, the dreamer is receiving a serious warning: he or she suffers from a mental illness. He must urgently pass through psychotherapy. The unconscious psychotherapy in dream messages helps all dreamers eliminate the roots of absurdity from their minds. This is how they find sound mental health forever.

Since blood in dreams represents pain and this pain is caused by the dreamer’s mistakes (because he/she is influenced by his absurd anti-conscience), the truth is that blood and mental disorders are always related in dreams, even when the blood doesn’t come out of the dreamer’s head.

For example, a certain dreamer who used to abuse her body dreamt that she was paralyzed in her bed, and she couldn’t move. While she was immobilized this way, there was blood coming out from her body.

Since the dreamer was in her bed, this means that she was sick. This shocking dream scene indicates that the dreamer suffers from a mental illness. Her disease is a mental disorder, and not a physical disease.

The blood that was coming out from her body was the pain she was feeling for being mentally ill. However, she couldn’t move because she was passively accepting the absurdity of her anti-conscience, which was invading her human conscience and destroying her human side.

She needed an urgent treatment. Fortunately, she was following dream therapy. The same dreamer had many dreams that clearly revealed a suicidal tendency.

Pay attention to your dreams, and pay attention to the dreams of others. You may learn the dreams of your friends or family members. Whenever they mention blood in their dreams, you should help them understand that they need psychotherapy. In case you have dreams about blood, especially coming out of your head, you should urgently follow dream therapy.

I can translate your dreams for you. In the beginning my fast translations will help you start solving your basic problems without delay. Later you’ll study my dynamic method of instant dream translation (derived from Carl Jung’s method of dream interpretation) and translate your dreams yourself.

Posted on

Eggs – Milk and Cheese in Your Low-Fat Cholesterol

Eggs

Each egg yolk contains about 213 milligrams of cholesterol. It is a known fact that egg yolks are high in dietary cholesterol and they should be limited to no more than 4 yolks per week. This includes the amount of egg yolks contained in any processed foods or baked goods. Ask the bakery if the recipe uses whole eggs and check the label to see just how much cholesterol the food contains. Limit these types of foods just for some occasional triats.

You can substitute egg yolks with egg whites in your recipes since they have no cholesterol. In place of whole egg, you can also use a cholesterol-free egg substitute. You do not really have to worry about the taste since in many baked goods, you can not tell the difference.

Milk and cheese group

Just like high fat meats, regular dairy products that have fat are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat. 2 percent milk, ice cream and cheese are regular dairy foods that have a lot of fat. Even though it is important to limit the amount of regular dairy products, you should know that these products are an important source of nutrients. You should eat no more than 2 or 3 servings per day or non-fat or low fat dairy products. A small guide to buying nonfat and low fat dairy foods is listed below:

Milk

Rather than buying whole or 2 percent milk, but either fat free or 1 percent. Remember that 1 percent or fat free milk contain the same amount of calcium and other nutrients as whole milk, the only difference being that they have a smaller quantity of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Cheese

Go for fat free, reduced fat, low fat or part skim cheese whenever you go looking for hard cheeses. It is recommended that you only chose those varieties that have 3 grams of fat or less per ounce.

When you are looking for soft cheeses, look for the low fat (1 percent or less), non fat cottage cheese, part-skim or light ricotta versions. Some of these cheeses have 3 grams of fat or less per ounce.

Choose lower sodium cheeses if you are watching your sodium intake. Compare the sodium intake content by reading the label of several cheese products.

Frozen dairy desserts

Remember to always buy frozen desserts that have a lower intake of saturated fat such as low fat frozen yogurt, ice milk, low fat frozen dairy desserts, sorbets, fruit ices and Popsicles.

Posted on

How To Increase Penis Girth Using The Clamping Method

If you really want to know how to increase penis girth, you have come to the right place. Increasing the length of your penis is important but, it is your girth that fills your woman up and gives her the most pleasure.

You can increase your average girth by using your hands alone with a cable clamp you can purchase from your local hardware store.

Using penis enhancement pills to enhance your average penis girth

As you know there are several types of penis exercises you can do to make your penis longer and thicker if you have an average size girth. There are penis extenders, penis pumps and male enlargement pills.

Yet, one of the best ways to increase your girth is an enlargement exercise along with a penis enhancement product. There are a lot of products like this on the market just make sure you choose a good one.

How to increase penis girth using a simple yet effective technique

If you are willing to follow this exercise for increasing your girth you will notice an increase in thickness within a few months or so. However, even though this method is simple it is still very dangerous if you are new to penis enlargement exercises.

It is recommended for the new guy looking to get a bigger penis to start out with the jelq exercise first. Then after a few months of doing this you can try this exercise.

The first thing you want to do is warm up your penis using a hot towel for at least five minutes. It is very important that you do warm-ups to prevent injuries.

Penis Clamping Procedure:

1. Clamp at base of your penis using either the OK grip or a clamp.

2. Grab your penis shaft with one hand your right or your left, it does not matter.

3. Move your fingers over the CS chamber in a wave-like motion, which moves the blood around in it.

4. Do 10 movements toward the head, then kegel and hold it while you do 10 movements toward your penis base, now switch hands and do this on the other CS chamber.

Now you should do 10 toward the head of your penis and 10 toward the base of your penis together to make one make one rep.

Keep in mind that your hand does not move while doing the penis squeeze, and your fingers don’t slide up or down, one squeeze then the next.

After you finish with this exercise do a warm-down just like you did the warm-ups. You can perform this exercise to increase penis girth for about 5 to 10 minutes a day for 6 months or so.

Posted on

Living With Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes is a disease of the blood. It means that you suffer from high blood pressure. The insulin regulation of the body does not have the ability to function properly. This results in the disease. There are many diabetes treatments, and the way that it is owned depends on the type of diabetes an individual has.

There are several degrees of the disease. If a person has a lesser degree then it is possible to regulate the blood sugar by a change in diet. This would include avoiding foods that are high in sugar. It would also include eating foods that will balance the amount of sugar in the blood stream.

If the degree is higher there are medications that help regulate it. The exact medication taken will be determined by the individual in question. Sometimes it is a combination of medicines. It also depends on the overall heath of the individual taking the medication. In many cases a person who suffers with this particular disease might also have other ailments.

That is why it is important to check with a doctor before taking, adding, or changing medication. Although, medication can be helpful if they are mixed with other medications the results may be detrimental to the health of the individual taking them.

If you have a high degree of diabetes then you might need to give yourself insulin shots. The degree of the illness can be determined by the doctor. Some people have to give themselves shots more often than others. The doctor will instruct the person who takes the shots.

Another thing that is vital in the treatment of diabetes is that the sufferer must take his or her glucose daily. This will let them know if the blood sugar is at a normal level. If the blood sugar is too high it can result in death. That is why it is imperative for those with diabetes to make sure that the glucose is at the proper level.

This disease of the blood affects literally thousands of people everyday. It not only plagues the older generation, but it is now common among the young as well. That is why treatment for the disease is evolving day by day. It has become a necessity to not only treat it, but to find a way to cure it if at all possible. These treatments are designed for those with the disease to experience a longer and more fulfilling life than they would otherwise be able to experience.

Posted on

Penile Dysfunction – Find Out the Best Treatments

Cialis …. Cialis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is very similar to Viagra and Levitra being part of the group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. Viagra and Levitra work on the principle of taking the medication 1 hour before you have sex, this is all well and good but sex is best when it is spontaneous and not planned. Viagra and Levitra are both very effective treatments for erectile dysfunction but Cialis has one big advantage.

The main difference is that Cialis works for up to 36 hours, this is good because you do not have to plan your love life around a tablet. As with all medications you should consult a doctor before you start taking it. You should not take Cialis if you are taking other medicines, for example medications that contain nitrates, the type used to treat angina, taking Cialis, Viagra or Levitra with this type of medication can cause a drop in dangerous drop in blood pressure that could prove fatal.

The other thing to watch out for is the fake Cialis products that have flooded the internet, more than half the treatments for sale on the net are fake so be careful where you buy. As with all medicines there are side effects the most common with this type of treatment are facial flushing, a stuffy nose and blue tinted vision. There has been reports of temporary loss of vision but this is rare. Cialis is not a cure for impotence, just a temporary treatment, the under lying causes of impotence [http://impotence.gb.com] should be addressed before you start taking any medication.

Always consult a doctor before you take any type of impotence medication.

Posted on

Atlas Displacement and Venous Insufficiency – A Case for Some Types of MS

Atlas Displacement and Venous Insufficiency – a Case for MS

A lot of people who knew me when I was in my previous practice knew I worked with many people with chronic neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. It always struck people that I would see a patient with those problems because most people associate chiropractic strictly with back aches and neck pain. Why would someone who has MS see a chiropractor?

The truth is, these conditions are incurable, and while they may not lead to an early death, they have devastating impact on a person’s quality of life. They can take away your ability to exercise, write, type, and play music. They can even take away your sense of sight or ability to just go for a walk. Just like anyone else would, these patients are looking for something, anything that can help make their lives just a little bit better, even if they have to look outside of the standard medical box.

One of the reasons that I went from a traditional chiropractic approach to one that focuses on the top of the neck is because I saw what a dramatic impact that the head and neck had on someone’s overall health. When I was training and learning from other doctors, I saw numerous patients walk into the office with canes and wheelchairs, and walk out after a precise Structural Correction. I knew that this was the work I wanted to learn and master.

Turn the clocks forward to 2014 and I’ve had to pleasure and honor to help dozens of patients with Parkinson’s, MS, and post concussion syndrome. I’ve even had the opportunity to publish 2 studies on the effects that correction of Atlas Displacement had on a patient with Parkinson’s and a patient with MS.

By no means am I saying that this is a cure or treatment specifically for these conditions. Nor am I saying that everyone gets better; I’ve certainly taken care of a handful of people that saw no change at all. But as someone who wants to learn and master effective ways to help people who believe they can’t be helped, it’s imperative that we understand how and why these people came to have these devastating conditions.

The Head, Neck, and… Veins?

In 2008, an Italian surgeon did something that made the world start to think differently about MS and the brain. Dr. Paolo Zamboni began studying a correlation multiple sclerosis and venous blockages in the neck. His studies mainly looked at the large jugular veins. When the veins get blocked, it creates a back up of old venous blood and metabolic waste that can increase the back pressure into the brain. In a small sample of MS patients he treated, many patients with MS showed no symptoms or improved substantially.

The condition that he identified is known as Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency, or CCSVI for short. While there is no shortage of skepticism and controversy surrounding the theory, the one thing that is certain is that he has piqued the world’s attention.

For chiropractors, specifically ones that focus on the Upper Cervical spine, this theory can be a beautiful explanation for how we impact the lives of these patients. But instead of affecting the larger jugular vein, the structure of the neck can be affecting the smaller veins within the skull.

When the structural alignment of the head and neck are lost, it can affect the small veins inside of the head that are responsible for draining used blood from the nervous system. When this old blood gets sluggish and backed up from the chronic misalignment, then old blood and cerebral spinal fluid can begin to create damage to these sensitive nerve cells.

In many ways, many of the chronic degenerative neurological diseases have similar features to people with traumatic brain injuries, which is why both MS and mTBI need lots of further study.

Not All Cases are the Same

I’ve taken care of people where numb hands and feet improve, where people walk better without canes, or cases of terrible fatigue begin to get their energy back. Many times, these people had a some kind of trauma or fall months or even years before symptoms began. Many times, these accidents or traumas happened without the presence of pain. The truth is that Atlas Displacement Complex can happen without any signs of symptoms for years.

However, this doesn’t mean that every case of MS is related to this problem. There are many patients that can get this corrected, and not have any improvement in their MS symptoms. MS is a very complex disease, where even 2 people with MS may experience it very differently.

Regardless of whether someone has MS or doesn’t, if you suspect an Atlas problem, new research projects are showing that correcting the Atlas may play a role in preventing chronic damage to our powerful brains.

Posted on

Five Kinds Of Exercise That Help Bring On Labor

Exercise is frequently recommended as a natural method to induce labor. Exercise is especially helpful in getting your baby to descend, and in encouraging him or her to engage better. There are at least five types of exercise you could do when your pregnancy is full term, to encourage your baby to get born.

Walking as a method for natural labor induction

Walking keeps you upright and helps your baby to descend. This exerts downward pressure on the cervix, taking you closer to cervical effacement and dilation. The pressure your baby’s head places on your cervix also increases local release of oxytocin, which in turn brings on labor.

In addition to helping your baby to get into the right position, walking is also good for you. Walking is excellent cardio-vascular training, and can be done by most people; besides it doesn’t require a gym or any special equipment. Walking improves blood circulation, respiration, as well as muscle tone. It keeps you fit to cope with the onset of labor, and be ready to welcome the newborn.

If you can, walk in the mornings when the air is fresher and less polluted. Wear comfortable shoes and also carry a big umbrella. It’s good to have one, in case you want to lean on something to relieve any strain on your back. And of course, it’s useful if it gets too sunny, or starts to rain.

Does climbing stairs really help to start labor?

It’s often said that in hospitals midwives ask you to walk upstairs and down, in order to get the early stage of labor to go faster.

Climbing stairs has the same effect that walking does. It helps your baby to engage better, your cervix to dilate, and also increases the oxytocin level in the cervical area. Additionally, lifting your legs, one after the other, in order to move on to the next step opens up your pelvis. This makes more room for your baby and helps in bringing on labor. The slight swinging motion and small accelerated movements while going up, and the little bumps while stepping down, all help your baby to position himself or herself better for the labor.

Remember, it is important that you don’t exhaust yourself climbing stairs, trying to get faster into labor. You should know your own limits, and must listen to your body signals.

How about swimming in order to bring on labor?

Swimming is another excellent exercise that helps bring on labor. The breaststroke especially is said to have this effect.

Remember to wear goggles and follow proper swimming techniques. If you keep your head above the water all the time while swimming, your spine will curve unnaturally. This is likely to strain your back, which is already coping with the extra weight of your belly.

If you don’t know the right techniques, don’t let that stop you! If you can swim a little bit, it becomes surprisingly easy to learn the proper technique for swimming breaststroke. Contact a swimming teacher for a lesson.

Immersing your body in water, when you are heavily pregnant, is truly a joyous experience. The water supports your body and takes off weight from your feet and joints. If you are suffering from swollen feet at the end of your pregnancy, the slight pressure of water will relieve this common problem comfortably.

It is indeed worth going to the pool or to the beach to enjoy the benefits of water and of swimming, to help bring on your labor and to get relief from swollen feet!

Does squatting help in starting labor faster?

Squatting opens your pelvis and makes labor easier, because it helps your baby to move down the birth canal and also creates more room for him or her to be born. Squatting can help you to get to labor faster, in case it doesn’t start because the baby is too high.

The squatting position helps your baby to descend and engage into your pelvis. After your baby has engaged well, it’s less probable that she or he will be able to turn anymore. This means that you should squat only when your baby is in the right position for birth. This position is called the anterior position in which the baby is head down and facing your back. If your baby is in a posterior position — back against your back — or in the breech position head up, it’s important not to encourage him or her to descend. Your baby has to turn into the optimal, anterior birth position before you do any squatting.

Swinging — could exercise for natural labor induction be more convenient?

Using a swing results in a small G-force that encourages your baby to descend. To try this type of physical exercise in starting your labor, find a safe swing in which you can be stably seated.

All these exercises can be the last bit of natural encouragement your full term baby needs to be born. It’s always good to exercise. It’s never too late, and even a little of physical exercise goes a long way, and is an improvement on doing nothing at all. Exercise helps your labor to start and also keeps you fit. When you are physically in good condition, you will feel great and are able to resist stress and illnesses much better. So, go for a walk around your block, or to the nearest park to use a swing!

Posted on

What Are The Characteristics of Avoidant Personality Disorder?

If you know of people who always feel worthy, insufficient, and are lacking in self-esteem, then there is a strong possibility that the person has Avoidant Personality Disorder, a mental and psychological disorder wherein the person has low self-confidence, oftentimes lonely , isolated, attributable to changes, and is oversensitive. Typically, these people are incapacitated of having social relations with others because they view constructive behaviors as rejection and source of embarrassment for them. Likewise, they do not make any efforts to maintain interpersonal relationships for fear of being ridiculed.

Avoidants, as people suffering from this disorder are called, usually assess prospective friends or mates prior to establishing close relationships with them. If they see and feel that their prospects are capable of accepting them as they are – in other words, unconditionally, then they would slowly open themselves up to others. Because of this low self-esteem, there is always a need for them to hear that they are loved, needed, and desired.

What Avoidants do not know is the characteristics that they have, the mannerisms, and their very own fears are the main reasons why people mock and scoff at them. Their own fears backfire at them.

Their low levels of self-confidence make them doubt their own abilities and beauty – such that their self-image is next to non-existence. What's more, when people honestly praise them for what they have achieved, Avoidants would think that the other person is just trying to manipulate and ridicule them.

One thing about Avoidants is they have a tendency to over-fantasize. They have this vision of themselves outshining everyone else and winning over all obstacles, grandeur ideals about how a perfect relationship should be. However, problem is, they can not translate these fantasies into reality because of how they really perceive themselves as.

When in public, they would tend to avoid crowds and would rather keep them themselves. When asked about their achievements or complimented on their talents, they clam up and would attempt to downplay their contributions and become arrogantly reserved. Their reason for doing so is to thwart any attempts by co-workers, family, or friends to criticize them.

This disorder is often associated with mood and other anxiety-related disorders. When left untreated, this disorder may lead to extreme cases of paranoia and other mental disorders.

Posted on

Mental Health – Why The Unconscious Mind Sends Us Secret Dream Messages

The scientific method of dream interpretation is an exact translation of the dream’s meaning. It is the translation of the symbolic language used by the unconscious mind in order to send us secret dream messages.

The reason that the unconscious mind that produces our dreams sends us messages in a secret symbolic form, is the existence of a wild side in our conscience, which works independently of the human side of our conscience, and constantly tries to destroy our human side though craziness.

Craziness typifies the content which exists in the unknown region of the psychic sphere, since the primitive conscience was totally disorganized when it first appeared. Without organization, it could only face despair while trying to overcome the obstacles of life without finding the right solutions.

There is a big portion of our conscience that belongs to the primitive anti-conscience and didn’t evolve like our human side. It remains in the same chaotic condition in which it developed, with none of the functional organization which is obtained through comprehension, patience, sensitivity and other qualities that are indispensable to the peace and balance of the conscience. This is why the anti-conscience is violent and evil: it is the result of a catastrophe. Unfortunately, disorganization can only provoke disasters.

Too much craziness accumulated in the anti-conscience, transforming this part of our psyche into an invincible monster.

The wise unconscious mind produces our dreams to send us secret messages that our anti-conscience cannot understand, in order to protect us from its harmful attacks, which try to destroy our humanity, imposing absurd behaviour upon us. Our human conscience cannot understand the dream messages either, but we can learn how to translate their mysterious meaning if we decipher the symbolism in our dreams.

This was what the famed psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung did. He discovered how to translate the meaning of the symbolism which exists in dreams, art and religious works.

Following his method, I was able to verify the truth of his findings, and I was able to continue his dangerous research into the unknown region of the psyche.

He stopped at a certain point, acknowledging ignorance, but I could not stop there. I had to go ahead and discover the entire truth about human nature. The shocking truth in fact: the existence of a true demon in the unknown region of the human psychical sphere.

This is the conscience of pre-historic man, which is still alive in our mind, without having experienced the same processes that our human side has passed through.

After more than 20 years of research, and having had many experiences facing all types of mental illness and the achievement of impossible cures through dream interpretation, I could finally finish writing my book. My book is about the discoveries I have made in dream interpretation while precisely following the directions I received from the unconscious mind, which is the wisest doctor, with the essential solutions.

The unconscious wisdom is responsible for the existence of goodness, generosity and compassion in the human side of the conscience. If we follow the unconscious’ directions, we can not only overcome depression and all mental illnesses, but also completely develop our conscience, transforming the dangerous monster which exists in the wild side, into a positive part of our human conscience.

I had to delay so much in presenting my work to the world because my main point was not only to prove that Carl Jung had really discovered the true method of dream interpretation, and not only to simplify his complicated method into something that anyone could understand, but also to triumph over the powerful anti-conscience that causes many horrible and unshakable symptoms like hallucinations, panic attacks, emptiness and dizziness.

Only after fighting against it for so long and through so many attacks, could I present to the world the most precise and practical ways through which anyone could prevent or fight against craziness with the help of dream decoding; even if a very big portion of their human conscience was destroyed by the anti-conscience.

So, don’t complain because the unconscious mind obliges you to study and to learn how to decipher its mysterious messages: you have a terrible enemy in your own brain and this translation is indispensable for your own safety.

I advise you to think seriously about this matter and start caring about your dreams immediately.

Your dreams belong to you, they talk about you, your life, the people that live with you, the world where you live and everything else that is of concern to you. This is private psychotherapy with the best psychotherapist, without payment and without any risk, since the doctor is wise and saintly.

If you are intelligent, you must start learning how to translate the messages contained in your own dreams now that you know that you have a terrible enemy in your own mind; and this is why the dream messages are sent to your conscience in a secret form.

If you ignore your worst enemy, it will only cause you infinite problems, and it may even manage to completely destroy your human conscience, imprisoning you in the labyrinth of craziness. Mental illnesses that cannot be cured, like schizophrenia and psychosis are not rare, and you could be the next victim.

Posted on

Effective Speech Writing and Delivery

For one's speech to be effective, one should ensure to answer the following questions:

What? – The overview of the speech
Why? – Why is the speech / subject important?
How? – The format of speech to be used
Who? – The speaker and the audience …

The Four Ps for effective speech writing and delivery:

Plan
Prepare
Practice
Present

One of the most important stages of every speech is to ask himself / herself the following questions:

Why am I preparing and delivering this speech?
What is the aim and objective that has to be achieved?
The audience …

Aim is the overall target that one needs to reach with their speech – The reason why one is planning to stand on the stage hold forth. It should ideally take the form of a simple, concise statement of intent. The objective is the more detailed and precise steps one needs to plan to take in order to reach their aim. This includes the components included within the overall aim. The starting point for planning any speech is to make certain the primary or principle aim behind it; and then to formulate the precise steps to achieve that aim.

After one has determined their aim and objectives, one has to thereafter consistently focus on them, as if one does not do so, then in all probability even the audience will not be able to focus upon the objective.

A successful speechwriter considers it to be a series of arguments that leads up to the conclusion. The speech will gain in strength to the greater that one focuses on content. Empty arguments, no matter how eloquently they are presented, are rarely enough to motivate an audience to take action

The success of one's speech depends on how closely one's intent matches with that of the audience. The term AUDIENCE can serve as an acronym to help one identify the categories one needs to consider when preparing and delivering a speech …

Analysis – The audience – Who and how many?
Understanding – What do they already know and what do they need to know?
Demographics – Audience age, gender, education, social and ethnic background, etc.
Interest – Why is the audience attending this forum / seminar, etc.?
Environment – What kind of distractions can take away the audience attention during speech delivery?
Needs – What does the audience need?
Customization – Addressing specific needs of the audience.
Expectations – What does the speaker to accomplish? What is the audience expectation from the speaker?

Posted on

How to Wash a Microbead Pillow

Every so often, after repeated use, or due to messy accidents, micro bead pillows will need to be cleaned. Unlike memory foam or down pillows where only the pillowcase may be washed, micro bead pillows may be washed, just as long as proper measures are taken in order to prevent the pillow from being destroyed. On many micro bead pillows, the tag suggests that they may only be spot treated. This can be done by scrubbing the spot or spots out with soapy water or any other gentle cleaning solution; bleach should never be used.

However, people with young children or animals often find that the pillow may be too dirty to clean by the spot treating method. Microbead pillows may be washed in the washing machine as long as you are careful. It is important that the pillow is first placed in another pillowcase with the end tied off so it does not fall out during the wash. The pillowcase prevents the microbead pillow from falling apart through the tumbling and rushing water. It is the pillowcase that takes the beating while the microbead pillow remains safe inside while still receiving the cleaning that it needs. A detergent meant for fine fabrics or wool, such as Woolite should be used to further prevent possible tearing of the fabric. Again, no detergent with bleach should be used because it can break down the nylon lycra or spandex outer fabric of the pillow.

Wash the microbead pillow on your washing machine’s gentlest cycle using cold water only; heat risks damage to the microbeads as well as to the outside of the pillow. While washing, one should occasionally check on the pillow to make sure that no harm is coming to the pillow. While this step is not necessary, it is definitely a good idea. After washing, it is incredibly important to remember that the dryer cannot be used to dry it because, once again, the heat would create a terrible, sticky mess of the outer cover of your favorite pillow. However, a dryer may be used to tumble and air dry the pillow as long as no heat is used. To complete drying, the pillow must be hung to drip dry. With certain, higher quality brands of microbead pillows such as Snooztime, regular machine washing and drying is possible, making it easier and also more convenient to clean your favorite pillow. Cleaning microbead pillows properly ensures its owner many more years of comfortable rest.

Posted on

Opening Your Speech

Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Speak!

When the space shuttle blasts off – those first few seconds of lift are critical. It comprises a small portion of the total journey, yet if someone errors – they crash and burn. The beginning of your speech is much the same. If you error in the opening your speech will crash and burn.

The mission of your opening is to 1. Grab their interest; 2. Establish rapport; 3. Introduce your topic. Here are 10 techniques you can use to launch your successful speech.

10. Startling statement. Use a strong attention grabbing statement – with facts, statistics or unusual information. “The greatest fear is to speak in public. The second greatest fear is to die.”

9. Suspense/ Surprise. Start with a suspense-building sentence or take them in one direction – then hit them with surprise. “It was a dark and stormy night – it was my wedding night.”

8. Story/Anecdote. Tell a short story. Begin your story with the word imagine. It is an engaging word. “Imagine that we could travel back in time to witness the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk.”

7. Quotation. When you use a quotation you tap into the credibility and power of the person who stated those words. “I have a dream, cried out Martin Luther King Jr.” Quote from people well known and well liked by your audience.

6. Challenging Question. Questions are always powerful and engaging. This could be a rhetorical question. “Are you ready for the millennium? When the clock ticks over to January 1, 2000, will planes be falling and computers crashing?”

5. Compliment the audience. Be sincere – don’t say, “You are the most beautiful audience I have ever seen.” Instead say something that impressed you about the group, ‘I am very impressed with the hospitality shown to me by you today. This lives up to the reputation I have heard about your community work.’

4. Occasion. Comment on the occasion – especially if it is an anniversary or awards night. “To speak to you on your 10th annual awards dinner is an honour.” Or uncover some information about the group that outsiders would not normally know. “Happy Birthday to your founding president.” This takes a little research – and is worth it.

3. Prop or visual. Catch their attention and set the mood with a funny hat, uniform, or stuffed bear. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), would blow a cloud of smoke on stage before he made his entrance. It always got a laugh. You might roll a ball across the stage or play with a yo-yo. What you do before you speak can be powerful.

2. Previous speaker. Pick up on something a previous speaker said or did – especially if that was the president or chairman of the board. Build on what they said. It shows that you listened and gives you more credibility if you agree with the boss. Before you speak ask a participant, “What was the funniest thing that happened so far?” Try to build on this to get a laugh. Comedians call this technique a call back.

1. Engage the audience. Ask a question that requires the audience to answer, or one that is sure to make them laugh. “How many of the women in the audience have had an affair with Bill Clinton? – – How many of the men?”

Bonus tips:

o Don’t start with “My topic is…” or “Today I am going to talk about…” Both of these are boring.

o Never start with an apology. “I’m sorry we are running late.” “I’m sorry the president couldn’t be here.” “I’m sorry about the meal.”

o Once you take your position on stage, enjoy a long pause before you speak. Silently count “1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi”.

o Smile as you first look around the audience. Look like you are happy to be there even if you don’t feel that way.

o Get them to laugh early. You’ll feel better and they will decide to like you sooner.

We return to Mission Control.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Close – and that’s another story.